We’re committed to providing high-quality care to every patient, and that’s reflected in our reputation. U.S. News & World Report ranks our ear, nose and throat department, which includes head and neck cancer care, among the top 50 in the country. Our program also features:

• A skilled, multidisciplinary team. Cancer care is most effective when a variety of experts are involved in diagnosis and treatment. Our team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons, as well as medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurse practitioners, clinical nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, audiologists and many more.

• Convenient access to care. We provide care in many communities throughout Louisiana, and virtual visits are available to patients across the Gulf region.

• Coordinated treatment. Our head and neck cancer doctors work with specialists throughout our health system to ensure you receive the well-rounded care you need. A key example is our multidisciplinary skull base team, one of a small number in the country. Featuring neurosurgeons and head and neck surgeons in partnership with neuro-oncology and radiation oncology, this team treats tumors at the junction between the brain and nose.

• Nurse navigation. Our dedicated nurse navigators will help you schedule appointments and connect you with community resources that can improve your quality of life.

• Tumor board. During this weekly meeting, every specialist and provider involved in head and neck cancer care gathers to discuss patients’ cases and develop treatment plans.

Second opinions. Patients and referring providers alike trust our experts to provide second opinions, when appropriate.

Drinking alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco are major risk factors for throat cancer, oral cavity cancer and other forms of head and neck cancer. Using both alcohol and tobacco further increases your risk.

Most cases of oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the middle part of the throat, are due to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Oropharyngeal cancer is the most common type of cancer linked to HPV, and cases are increasing. HPV vaccination can help prevent cancer-causing infections.

Less common head and neck cancer risk factors include:

• Epstein-Barr virus infection

• Radiation exposure

• Use of betel quid, a form of smokeless tobacco that is commonly used in Asia but is uncommon in the United States

• Work-related exposure to certain substances, such as asbestos and wood dust

We offer head and neck cancer care to serve Louisiana, including in New Orleans, Shreveport and Baton Rouge, as well as virtual visits serving multiple states. Find a location near you.

Most cases of head and neck cancer begin in squamous cells. These cells are common in the mucous membranes, the moist linings of the head and neck. Cancer can develop in many parts of the head and neck, including the lips, tongue, gums, throat, voice box, sinuses, nasal cavity and salivary glands.

We treat all forms of head and neck cancer, and noncancerous head and neck conditions, including:

• Benign conditions of the larynx (voice box)
• Dysphagia — swallowing problems
• Hoarseness
• Hyperparathyroidism — too much parathyroid hormone in the blood
• Hypopharyngeal cancer — cancer of the lower throat
• Laryngeal cancer — cancer of the larynx
• Nasal cavity cancer — cancer in the nose
• Nasopharyngeal cancer — cancer of the upper throat
• Neck masses
• Oral cavity cancer — cancers of different areas of the mouth
• Oropharyngeal cancer — cancers found in the oropharynx, where the throat and mouth connect
• Paranasal sinus cancer — cancer that grows in the sinuses
• Salivary gland tumors — growths found in the face’s salivary glands, which are responsible for making spit
• Skin cancer, including melanoma
• Skull base malignancies — tumors that grow at or just below the bottom of the skull
• Thyroid cancer — cancer of a gland that is found at the bottom of the neck
• Thyroid nodules — growths that can be liquid-filled or solid lumps found in the thyroid gland at the bottom of the neck

To treat head and neck cancer, you’ll likely undergo surgery to remove the tumor. You may also need radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy to help destroy the cancer. We use the most up-to-date, precise forms of treatment, including minimally invasive surgery and targeted radiation, to minimize damage to surrounding tissues and reduce the effects on your swallowing and speaking abilities. When treatment affects these functions, we can help restore them.

Our head and neck cancer doctors offer a variety of surgical treatment options, including:

• Complex reconstructive surgery, including free tissue transfer (removing tissue from one part of the body and transplanting it to another)

• Laser surgery of the larynx and upper airway

• Open and endoscopic skull base surgery

• Surgery to remove head and neck tumors

• Transoral robotic surgery, a minimally invasive technique used for mouth or throat tumors

We offer access to new medications and approaches to treatment through clinical trials. In addition, we connect you with services to help you cope with treatment or rebuild function, including integrative oncology services, palliative medicine and supportive care, nutrition support, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychosocial oncology support. Support groups are also available.

If you experience side effects of treatment, such as speech or swallowing difficulties, facial swelling, dry mouth, sores in the mouth, loss of taste or jaw stiffness, tell your doctor or nurse. He or she can suggest ways to cope with the symptoms.

Head and neck cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the type of cancer. Symptoms can include sores in the mouth, jaw swelling, swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, persistent throat pain, difficulty chewing or swallowing, pain when swallowing, blocked sinuses that won’t clear, and facial numbness.

Our doctors treat more than 200 cases of head and neck cancer annually.

Every case is different. Some patients experience chewing and swallowing difficulties as a result of treatment. However, we use treatments designed to minimize the effects on these functions. We also offer a variety of services to help patients improve their chewing and swallowing abilities.